3 Ingredient Cloud Bread
3 INGREDIENT CLOUD BREAD!! 🤗 is a medium American recipe that serves 2. 170 calories per serving. Recipe by Heather Leatherman (Heather Educated) on YouTube.
Prep: 13 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 43 min
Cost: $3.40 total, $1.70 per serving
Ingredients
- 3 large Eggs (separated; whites and yolks in separate bowls)
- 8 oz Full-Fat Cream Cheese (softened to room temperature; block)
- 0.25 tsp Cream of Tartar (helps stabilize egg whites)
- as needed Cooking Spray (to grease baking pan; optional parchment paper)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Separate the egg whites and yolks into two clean mixing bowls. Set the 8‑oz block of cream cheese out for about an hour, then microwave for 30 seconds to soften, stirring once to make it pliable.
Time: PT5M
Combine Yolks and Cream Cheese
Add the egg yolks to the softened cream cheese and whisk (or use the hand mixer) until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
Time: PT3M
Whisk Egg Whites
Add 1/4 tsp cream of tartar to the egg whites and whisk with the hand mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form (about 5‑6 minutes).
Time: PT6M
Fold Mixtures Together
Using a spatula, gently fold the yolk‑cream cheese mixture into the whipped egg whites. Move the spatula around the bowl, turning it over, until just combined.
Time: PT3M
Prepare Baking Pan
Lightly spray the shallow baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
Time: PT2M
Portion Batter
Spoon the batter onto the pan in six even mounds, leaving space between each so they don’t merge while baking.
Time: PT2M
Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the cloud bread for 15‑20 minutes, until the tops are lightly golden and the centers are set.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 350°F
Cool and Serve
Remove the pan from the oven and let the cloud breads cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or store.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 170
- Protein
- 8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 2 g
- Fat
- 13 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, Keto, Low‑Carb, Vegetarian
Allergens: Eggs, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Eggs: Egg substitute powder (for whites only), Pasteurized egg whites
- Instead of Full-Fat Cream Cheese: Neufchatel cheese, Greek yogurt (for lower fat version)
- Instead of Cream of Tartar: Lemon juice (1 tsp), White vinegar (1 tsp)
- Instead of Cooking Spray: Butter or oil brushed on pan
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl (large)
- Mixing Bowl (small)
- Hand Mixer
- Spatula
- Measuring Spoons
- Shallow Baking Pan
- Oven
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Whisking egg whites to stiff peaks
- Folding the yolk‑cream cheese mixture into the whipped whites without deflating
- Baking at the correct temperature and time to set the interior while keeping the exterior fluffy
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use room‑temperature cream cheese for easier mixing.
- Line the pan with parchment paper for a cleaner release.
- A loaf pan yields uniform, sandwich‑size slices with less mess.
- If you don’t have cream of tartar, a teaspoon of lemon juice works as a stabilizer.
Troubleshooting
Cream cheese lumps remain in the yolk mixture.
Warm the cream cheese a few more seconds in the microwave and whisk with the hand mixer until fully smooth before combining with yolks.
Batter collapses after folding.
Fold gently and stop as soon as the mixture is just combined; over‑mixing deflates the whipped whites.
Cloud breads are dense or not fluffy.
Ensure egg whites reach stiff peaks and do not over‑mix after folding. Also, avoid over‑baking; lower the temperature to 325°F and increase time slightly if needed.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped for up to 1 month; reheat in a toaster or oven.
Room temperature: Best consumed within 1 day if kept covered.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cool the cloud breads completely before storing.
- Reheat in a toaster or a 300°F oven for 5‑7 minutes to restore fluffiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of cloud bread in the low‑carb/keto community?
Cloud bread became popular on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram as a fluffy, grain‑free alternative to traditional bread, fitting perfectly into keto, paleo, and gluten‑free diets. Its light texture and three‑ingredient simplicity made it a viral “food hack” for those seeking low‑carb sandwich options.
How does cloud bread differ from traditional bread in terms of nutrition and texture?
Unlike wheat‑based breads, cloud bread contains virtually no carbs and is high in protein and fat from eggs and cream cheese. Its texture is airy and cake‑like rather than chewy, making it ideal for those avoiding gluten or grains.
What traditional regional variations of cloud bread exist in American cuisine?
While cloud bread itself is a modern creation, American low‑carb cooks have adapted it by adding flavors such as herbs, cheese, or cocoa. Some use a loaf pan to create sandwich‑size slices, while others bake mini “cloud buns” for sliders.
What occasions or celebrations is cloud bread traditionally associated with in the keto community?
Cloud bread is often served at keto brunches, low‑carb potlucks, and as a base for birthday or holiday sandwiches because it can be flavored to match any theme while staying diet‑friendly.
What other keto‑friendly dishes pair well with cloud bread from American cuisine?
Cloud bread pairs nicely with avocado toast, smoked salmon, bacon and egg sandwiches, or as a base for low‑carb sliders with grilled chicken or burger patties.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making cloud bread?
Common errors include under‑whipping the egg whites, over‑mixing after folding, and overheating the cream cheese. Each of these can cause a dense texture or cause the batter to collapse during baking.
Why does this cloud bread recipe use cream of tartar instead of lemon juice as a stabilizer?
Cream of tartar is a dry acid that directly stabilizes the egg‑white proteins without adding extra liquid, which helps keep the batter light. Lemon juice works but adds moisture, which can affect the final fluffiness.
Can I make cloud bread ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, cloud bread can be made ahead. Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for up to a month. Reheat briefly in a toaster or low oven to restore its airy texture.
What texture and appearance should I look for to know my cloud bread is done?
The tops should be lightly golden and set, and the edges should feel firm to the touch. When gently pressed, the interior should spring back slightly, indicating a fully set but still fluffy crumb.
What does the YouTube channel Heather Leatherman (Heather Educated) specialize in?
Heather Leatherman’s channel, Heather Educated, focuses on simple, approachable home cooking tutorials, often highlighting quick, budget‑friendly recipes and kitchen hacks for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Heather Leatherman (Heather Educated)’s approach to low‑carb recipes differ from other cooking channels?
Heather Educated emphasizes minimal ingredient lists and practical techniques, like using a hand mixer for cloud bread, making low‑carb recipes accessible without specialized equipment, whereas many other channels rely on more elaborate methods or hard‑to‑find ingredients.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
